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zachp12
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| Number of Posts: | 21 |
| Registered on: | 3/30/2023 |
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Got a few goals in mind.
Early 30s, married, 2 kids under 4.
1. Find a way to get both kids through the next 10 years of catholic school in New Orleans area. Only 1 kid in school right now, and budget is tight. Second one will start in August, trying to plan ahead for that. (Just opened up a LA start plan early this week for the girls college savings). Will try to put 2400 or so in upfront, and then put $100 a month in there from now until they are 18 and ready for college.
2. Do my best to keep retirement contributions going (401k and Roth IRA). With all the expenses associated with two young kids, I’ve had to slow down contributions last few years, but luckily I contributed heavily in my 20s before having kids, so I’ve got a good head start.
3. Try to get better at not buying shite we don’t need. Seems like every day I get home to a few of the wife’s Amazon packages on the porch. Really need to try to get her onboard with reducing expenses, investing, etc. that’s gonna be a tough one…
4. Got about 10k left on student loans, that I’ve been paying the minimum on for years. Currently have less than 24 payments left before they will be forgiven with pslf. That’ll be nice when those drop off for good.
5. Pay off wife’s car in next 2 years, and keep up with maintenance on my truck (paid off already) to keep it running for years to come.
6. Aside from that, keep grinding, continue to find enjoyment in my work. Very thankful for contributing to 401k and Roth IRA early on In my career. I have had to scale back contributions recently due to tuition costs. But compounding interest should help out a ton from here on out.
Any and all help/critique is appreciated.
Early 30s, married, 2 kids under 4.
1. Find a way to get both kids through the next 10 years of catholic school in New Orleans area. Only 1 kid in school right now, and budget is tight. Second one will start in August, trying to plan ahead for that. (Just opened up a LA start plan early this week for the girls college savings). Will try to put 2400 or so in upfront, and then put $100 a month in there from now until they are 18 and ready for college.
2. Do my best to keep retirement contributions going (401k and Roth IRA). With all the expenses associated with two young kids, I’ve had to slow down contributions last few years, but luckily I contributed heavily in my 20s before having kids, so I’ve got a good head start.
3. Try to get better at not buying shite we don’t need. Seems like every day I get home to a few of the wife’s Amazon packages on the porch. Really need to try to get her onboard with reducing expenses, investing, etc. that’s gonna be a tough one…
4. Got about 10k left on student loans, that I’ve been paying the minimum on for years. Currently have less than 24 payments left before they will be forgiven with pslf. That’ll be nice when those drop off for good.
5. Pay off wife’s car in next 2 years, and keep up with maintenance on my truck (paid off already) to keep it running for years to come.
6. Aside from that, keep grinding, continue to find enjoyment in my work. Very thankful for contributing to 401k and Roth IRA early on In my career. I have had to scale back contributions recently due to tuition costs. But compounding interest should help out a ton from here on out.
Any and all help/critique is appreciated.
1
re: 227 Sportsman
Posted by zachp12 on 11/6/25 at 3:36 pm to Elusiveporpi
No first hand experience but those Sportsman’s sure are beautiful boats.
If I was looking for a 22’ bay right now I’d be looking at the sportsman, or the Robalo 226 cayman.
Id also look at older skeeters, tritons, etc.
If I was looking for a 22’ bay right now I’d be looking at the sportsman, or the Robalo 226 cayman.
Id also look at older skeeters, tritons, etc.
re: Who’s fishing tomorrow & where?
Posted by zachp12 on 7/4/25 at 8:00 am to KemoSabe65
Not fishing on the 4th but made a trip yesterday on MS Gulf Coast and caught some real nice trout on live croakers.
One of my first successful trips out on the MS coast, was a blast!
One of my first successful trips out on the MS coast, was a blast!
He’s got a chance of getting a 22-25k for if it’s in that good of condition, and everything works as it should. This is the best time of year to be selling about. As summer comes around, people will be looking to buy. Just depends on how quick he wants to sell, or if he’s fine with sitting on it for a few weeks/months to find the right buyer.
I’d post it for at least 23k, and expect to get rid of it for no less than 20k.
The T-top, new trailer, power poles and I pilot trolling motor all add value to the boat in my opinion. Just need to wait for the right buyer.
I’d post it for at least 23k, and expect to get rid of it for no less than 20k.
The T-top, new trailer, power poles and I pilot trolling motor all add value to the boat in my opinion. Just need to wait for the right buyer.
re: T-Top for a Bay Boat
Posted by zachp12 on 2/18/25 at 9:30 am to saintsfan225
There is always the option to buy a universal T-Top from a company like Stryker T-Tops, Dolphin T-Tops, and maybe Fishmaster?
They have many different styles that can be adjusted to fit just about any style center console bay boat. FYI, I don't think they are anywhere near as well built or sturdy as a custom fabricated T-top, but they get the job done for sure.
I ended up finding one used on FB marketplace and installed on my personal bay boat yesterday actually. I think it looks great, but time will tell how well it holds up over time.
FYI, the T-tops mentioned above are about 1/2 the price of having a custom top made. If you can find one used on FB marketplace, its more like 1/4 the price of a custom top if you can make it work for your boat...
Updating this post as I realized I didn’t include a photo in the original.
They have many different styles that can be adjusted to fit just about any style center console bay boat. FYI, I don't think they are anywhere near as well built or sturdy as a custom fabricated T-top, but they get the job done for sure.
I ended up finding one used on FB marketplace and installed on my personal bay boat yesterday actually. I think it looks great, but time will tell how well it holds up over time.
FYI, the T-tops mentioned above are about 1/2 the price of having a custom top made. If you can find one used on FB marketplace, its more like 1/4 the price of a custom top if you can make it work for your boat...
Updating this post as I realized I didn’t include a photo in the original.
re: Top 3 midsized trucks??
Posted by zachp12 on 12/9/24 at 2:56 pm to SouthernInsanity
Why no love for the chevy colorado in here? It's a good looking truck imo, and seems to get good gas mileage. My dad bought one a few months ago for commuting, and being able to throw stuff in the bed from usual home depot runs, carpentry projects, etc. and he seems to like it so far.
Obviously it's not a full sized F-150, and he he didn't get 4x4 or any beefy towing packages, but for what most people use trucks for nowadays, he seems to like it so far.
Obviously it's not a full sized F-150, and he he didn't get 4x4 or any beefy towing packages, but for what most people use trucks for nowadays, he seems to like it so far.
re: Blackjack 224
Posted by zachp12 on 8/21/24 at 8:09 pm to GREENHEAD22
Most are +/- 10 years old and around 500 hours that are listed for 50k or less. But I’d think over the next few months/years the inventory of used boats should slowly rise. Even those that are posted for 55-60k, there’s always a chance you could get that boat all rigged out and ready to fish for 50k after a bit of negotiating.
Certainly not the same as a brand new boat, but I’d think those are likely half the price of a new one as well.
Certainly not the same as a brand new boat, but I’d think those are likely half the price of a new one as well.
re: Blackjack 224
Posted by zachp12 on 8/21/24 at 5:17 pm to PutTheWomacOnEm01
I’ve had similae thoughts on the blackjack 226. They are beautiful boats, look to be very well laid out and efficient for south la inshore and light offshore fishing.
While the 256 is obviously superior, I’ve been seeing used 226’s that are very well equipped and very well kept in the mis to high 40-50k range which seems to be “reasonable” for a bad arse well equipped bay boat now a days.
Don’t know if your looking new or used but it seems like more and more slightly used 226s are coming up for sale recently than in years past.
Interested to see what you end up going with, as I’ve been toying with the idea of a used 226 as well. Always considered it a dream boat of mine, but if I could find lightly used one for less than 50k that may be an option.
While the 256 is obviously superior, I’ve been seeing used 226’s that are very well equipped and very well kept in the mis to high 40-50k range which seems to be “reasonable” for a bad arse well equipped bay boat now a days.
Don’t know if your looking new or used but it seems like more and more slightly used 226s are coming up for sale recently than in years past.
Interested to see what you end up going with, as I’ve been toying with the idea of a used 226 as well. Always considered it a dream boat of mine, but if I could find lightly used one for less than 50k that may be an option.
Maybe I'm just unlucky but I have had very little luck fishing lake P over the last 10-15 years. I grew up within 3 miles of the boat launch, and love to fish but just haven't had much success at all in the lake, aside from one or two good trips to the trestles over the years.
It's frustrated the hell out of me for years to be honest. I can put together a decent box of fish in hopedale, shell beach, delacroix, bayou bienvenue, grand isle, but as soon as I decide to try the lake I very rarely come home with fish in the box.
I've tried the oil and gas platforms on the SW side of the lake multiple times and tried the seabrook area intermittently over the summer in recent years thinking there should be some reds/sheepshead/occasional trout hanging out there and I think I count on one hand how many keepers I've come home with.
When I was younger I remember my friends grandpa always coming home with a cooler full of trout/reds/flounder etc from the southshore of the lake. Maybe he really knew what he was doing, or maybe I still have a lot to learn.
Hope you have better luck than i do!
It's frustrated the hell out of me for years to be honest. I can put together a decent box of fish in hopedale, shell beach, delacroix, bayou bienvenue, grand isle, but as soon as I decide to try the lake I very rarely come home with fish in the box.
I've tried the oil and gas platforms on the SW side of the lake multiple times and tried the seabrook area intermittently over the summer in recent years thinking there should be some reds/sheepshead/occasional trout hanging out there and I think I count on one hand how many keepers I've come home with.
When I was younger I remember my friends grandpa always coming home with a cooler full of trout/reds/flounder etc from the southshore of the lake. Maybe he really knew what he was doing, or maybe I still have a lot to learn.
Hope you have better luck than i do!
re: Onboard boat battery charger recs(3 bank)
Posted by zachp12 on 6/10/24 at 8:36 pm to TheArrogantCorndog
Noco Gen 5x3 is what I have on my bay boat, and I have a very similar setup to yours. I haven't had any issues with it yet. Easy as can be to hook up and install. Comes with good instruction and I like how the visible the LED indicators are from a distance to let you know when everything is charged up.
If your planning to run the trolling motor hard every day on multi day trips it may be worth stepping up to the NOCO Gen 10x3 as that one is supposed to re-charge fast than the 5x3.
Forst most people that fish a few days a month, I'd think the Gen 5x3 will suit you just fine. If you keep your eyes out you can usually find them for sale on amazon throughout the year as well.
If your planning to run the trolling motor hard every day on multi day trips it may be worth stepping up to the NOCO Gen 10x3 as that one is supposed to re-charge fast than the 5x3.
Forst most people that fish a few days a month, I'd think the Gen 5x3 will suit you just fine. If you keep your eyes out you can usually find them for sale on amazon throughout the year as well.
Excited to follow this thread as well. Love being able to read peoples real world experiences when rebuilding a boat. I've got a 21' champion that I always seem to be fixing something or another on. Nothing on a boat is as easy to fix as it seems so seeing y'all take something that has been neglected and return to better than brand new is admirable.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
re: Marsh Fishing This Weekend
Posted by zachp12 on 10/28/23 at 2:36 pm to catchyalater
I fished hopedale this morning. Fog wasn’t bad at all this morning but we weren’t at the launch till the sun was peeking up on the horizon.
Small white trout and undersized specks were easy to come by. We must’ve caught at least 60 undersized fish. The tide was falling hard all morning but by 10am or soo the wind was really starting to pick up.
Ended up with 10 keeper specks, 1 sheepshead and 1 bass. Beautiful day to be out there.
Small white trout and undersized specks were easy to come by. We must’ve caught at least 60 undersized fish. The tide was falling hard all morning but by 10am or soo the wind was really starting to pick up.
Ended up with 10 keeper specks, 1 sheepshead and 1 bass. Beautiful day to be out there.
re: Bass vs Bay boat advice
Posted by zachp12 on 10/7/23 at 9:09 am to VolSquatch
A 21 or 22’ bay boat would be my recommendation. Everything is a compromise, but being that close to the saltwater, and having kids, I’d think there’s a better chance of them being able to join you in a bay boat.
In the summer time you can throw a bimini top on it, load the family up, and go anchor at the nearest sandbar. I have found that there is so much more to enjoy about owning a boat aside from fishing. Don’t get me wrong, I love to fish, but I also love just being out on the water on a nice day. A bay boat gives you the option to take the family for a cruise, go grab lunch on the water, pull tubes, etc.
In the summer time you can throw a bimini top on it, load the family up, and go anchor at the nearest sandbar. I have found that there is so much more to enjoy about owning a boat aside from fishing. Don’t get me wrong, I love to fish, but I also love just being out on the water on a nice day. A bay boat gives you the option to take the family for a cruise, go grab lunch on the water, pull tubes, etc.
re: Sea Pro 21 CV t-top recommendations
Posted by zachp12 on 9/20/23 at 7:28 pm to boomerhuntsducks
I’ve never used them before but “fishmaster” T-Tops look pretty awesome for the money. Easy to DIY install, and can fold down easily for storage. There website has tons of reviews, install videos, and all that good stuff.
I was considering one recently to install on my 21’ champion bay but haven’t pulled the trigger on it yet. They are certainly not the same quality as a custom T-Top but you can get one for a fraction of the cost of going custom.
I was considering one recently to install on my 21’ champion bay but haven’t pulled the trigger on it yet. They are certainly not the same quality as a custom T-Top but you can get one for a fraction of the cost of going custom.
re: 2005 champion bay 21’ fiberglass question
Posted by zachp12 on 9/12/23 at 2:39 pm to reds on reds on reds
As far as I know the angle iron on the transom is common on the older 21’ bay champs. I’ve seen many boats for sale with the angle iron going across the back so don’t think it’s anything out of the ordinary.
I will say I’ve beat all over the transom with a hammer, screwdriver, etc and it’s solid as far as I can tell. I do agree the rubrail and corner of the transom on both ends have seem better days, but I’m wondering if that’s a purely cosmetic issue, or something that could snowball into a much bigger issue in a few years if not addressed soon.
Also I should’ve put it in the original post but I’m located in New Orleans. Any recommendations for a good and reasonable fiberglass shop in the area to do this type of work? Only one I have in mind currently is blue dot marine in chalmette. Any other ideas?
I will say I’ve beat all over the transom with a hammer, screwdriver, etc and it’s solid as far as I can tell. I do agree the rubrail and corner of the transom on both ends have seem better days, but I’m wondering if that’s a purely cosmetic issue, or something that could snowball into a much bigger issue in a few years if not addressed soon.
Also I should’ve put it in the original post but I’m located in New Orleans. Any recommendations for a good and reasonable fiberglass shop in the area to do this type of work? Only one I have in mind currently is blue dot marine in chalmette. Any other ideas?
2005 champion bay 21’ fiberglass question
Posted by zachp12 on 9/12/23 at 1:31 pm
I’ll start out by saying I’ve been reading this forum for a while and just now starting to post on here. I’ve seen a lot of good advice given here over the years so hoping this post will do the same for me.
I just recently bought a 2005 champion 21’ bay boat. As far as I know, the boat is a full composite and therefore transom rot not much of a concern. For those that don’t know, the older champion bay boats (pre-2004) are very well known for having rotten transom issues due to the aluminum cap they used to seal the top cap of the hull to the transom.
Each end of the aluminum rail has a metal corner piece that I assume is to reinforce the corner of the transom from dock damage, etc.
When I bought the boat, one of the two metal corner pieces was missing, and “sealed” with a bunch of caulk from the previous owner. I’ve sense removes the other metal corner piece as it was hanging on by a thread and I was worried I was gonna lose it on the water one day.
My question is, it seems like having the corner of the transom open would be an obvious water entry point that could lead to issues down the road. The boat is nearing 20’ years old already, so I don’t need it to look pretty, I just don’t want to do any damage to the integrity of the hull if any water to get in through these corner pieces.
Is this something I should be concerned about? How should I got about trying to repair this?
- I could try get a metal corner piece custom made and install it with screws and lots of sealant over each corner.
- I could use epoxy resin to attempt to cover and seal up the entry way for water to get in.
- I could try to get it over to a fiberglass shop to try to get it sealed up with fiberglass and have the aluminum piece removed from each corner.
I don’t have the best pictures yet but can take additional ones this evening if needed. I think the pictures I have attached should be able to at least get the discussion going.
Any and all input is greatly appreciated. I know we’ve got some talented and experienced folks on here, so hoping to get some good insight from y’all.
I just recently bought a 2005 champion 21’ bay boat. As far as I know, the boat is a full composite and therefore transom rot not much of a concern. For those that don’t know, the older champion bay boats (pre-2004) are very well known for having rotten transom issues due to the aluminum cap they used to seal the top cap of the hull to the transom.
Each end of the aluminum rail has a metal corner piece that I assume is to reinforce the corner of the transom from dock damage, etc.
When I bought the boat, one of the two metal corner pieces was missing, and “sealed” with a bunch of caulk from the previous owner. I’ve sense removes the other metal corner piece as it was hanging on by a thread and I was worried I was gonna lose it on the water one day.
My question is, it seems like having the corner of the transom open would be an obvious water entry point that could lead to issues down the road. The boat is nearing 20’ years old already, so I don’t need it to look pretty, I just don’t want to do any damage to the integrity of the hull if any water to get in through these corner pieces.
Is this something I should be concerned about? How should I got about trying to repair this?
- I could try get a metal corner piece custom made and install it with screws and lots of sealant over each corner.
- I could use epoxy resin to attempt to cover and seal up the entry way for water to get in.
- I could try to get it over to a fiberglass shop to try to get it sealed up with fiberglass and have the aluminum piece removed from each corner.
I don’t have the best pictures yet but can take additional ones this evening if needed. I think the pictures I have attached should be able to at least get the discussion going.
Any and all input is greatly appreciated. I know we’ve got some talented and experienced folks on here, so hoping to get some good insight from y’all.
Trout in black bay/breton Sound??
Posted by zachp12 on 8/24/23 at 2:34 pm
I know it's gonna be a hot one this weekend, but is anybody gonna try to find some trout? Haven't fished much the past few weeks due to the heat, but am itching to make a trip. I did well in black bay this time last year, but haven't heard much in terms of good reports from the delacroix area this year. Seems like the trout have been moreso in the Hopedale/Breton Sound/Bay Eloi areas this year.
Anyways, has anybody fished these areas recently to have any intel? Any advice is much apprecaited, would like to avoid a potential wasted trip just to be out in the heat if the fish aren't out there. Will be trying to get out there early to beat the heat wherever I end up.
Any info is greatly appreciated.
Anyways, has anybody fished these areas recently to have any intel? Any advice is much apprecaited, would like to avoid a potential wasted trip just to be out in the heat if the fish aren't out there. Will be trying to get out there early to beat the heat wherever I end up.
Any info is greatly appreciated.
Yes I've had the hook series in the past as well and was extremely disappointed when I found out it couldn't handle the south LA standard mapping cards.
Having said that, the hds live appears to have all of those past issues ironed out for the most part.
Having said that, the hds live appears to have all of those past issues ironed out for the most part.
Croaka, any regrets with the HDS Live 7" for mapping, downscan/sidescan/sonar/etc. I have a lowrance hook 4" currently that just isn't cutting it.
I've used lowrance elite TI series before as well, but am trying to get a new unit on a relatively tight budget. Looks like the HDS live 7" from walmart for less than $600 would be a good deal.
Would you do anything differently (larger screen, different brand, different model/unit, etc) if you had to make the purchase again?
I've used lowrance elite TI series before as well, but am trying to get a new unit on a relatively tight budget. Looks like the HDS live 7" from walmart for less than $600 would be a good deal.
Would you do anything differently (larger screen, different brand, different model/unit, etc) if you had to make the purchase again?
re: Best way to go about selling bay boat.
Posted by zachp12 on 5/30/23 at 10:02 am to Hurricane2020
Facebook Marketplace is definitely the way to go with regards to selling/buying a boat. Make sure to include as many pictures and info as you can in the listing to avoid unnecessary questions. I'd include pictures of the interior of the storage compartments/hatches, livewells, under console areas, etc. The more info you know about the boat, the easier it is to sell. If you know the boat well, and it doesn't have any issues, it shouldn't take more than a few weeks or so to sell.
Just curious, how much do you plan on sellin for?
Just curious, how much do you plan on sellin for?
I’ve been looking to make this run for a while but been hesitant due to what seems like a long run in open water with a potential for lots of hazards along the way.
Is there a safe route that you would recommend to make the run? I have the LA1 card but don’t have the recommended routes on it unfortunately. I’ll be in a 18’ bay boat fyi. Very confident in my ability as a boater but having never made that run before I’d hate to end up grounded or hitting something underwater along the way. Any advice appreciated.
Is there a safe route that you would recommend to make the run? I have the LA1 card but don’t have the recommended routes on it unfortunately. I’ll be in a 18’ bay boat fyi. Very confident in my ability as a boater but having never made that run before I’d hate to end up grounded or hitting something underwater along the way. Any advice appreciated.
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